Is SOC 2 a Certification? Attestation vs Certification Explained

Marketing pages say “SOC 2 certified.” Precisely: SOC 2 is not a product certification. It is an attestation engagement performed by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA standards, resulting in a SOC 2 report.

Attestation vs certification: SOC 2 is an attestation engagement performed by a licensed CPA firm under AICPA standards (AT-C), resulting in a SOC 2 report. It is not a product certification, and there is no AICPA “SOC 2 certificate” that replaces the report.

What People Usually Mean

When vendors say “we are SOC 2 certified,” they usually mean they completed a SOC 2 examination (often Type II) and can share the report under NDA. Prefer precise language: “We have a SOC 2 Type II report covering [criteria] for [period].”

Contrast With ISO 27001

ISO 27001 uses accredited certification bodies and certificates of conformity. SOC 2 uses CPA attestation and a detailed report. Many companies pursue both; they answer different buyer questions. See SOC 2 vs ISO 27001.

Buyer Tips

Ask for the report (Type, criteria, period), not a badge PNG
Read exceptions and CUECs
Request a bridge letter if the period is stale

How CyberSilo Helps

CSA prepares evidence for the CPA engagement. CyberSilo does not issue SOC 2 reports or certificates.

Prepare for the Report, Not a Fake Badge

Build TSC-mapped evidence that stands up in attestation fieldwork.

Talk to CyberSilo SOC 2 Automation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an official SOC 2 certificate from AICPA?

No AICPA certificate replaces the SOC 2 report issued by the CPA firm.

Can software certify us SOC 2?

No. Software supports readiness and evidence. The CPA firm performs the attestation.

Is SOC 3 a certification?

SOC 3 is a general-use report related to a SOC 2 examination — still not a product certification badge.

SOC 2 hub · TSC · Choose an auditor

Is SOC 2 a Certification? Attestation vs Certification Explained

What People Usually Mean

Contrast With ISO 27001

Buyer Tips